Here are my standard 150 words

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It has been a genuine privilege working for you as a current City Councillor.

If re-elected, I will continue to work hard and make a positive contribution to the City.

Although independent, I have enjoyed being part of a team making Hamilton a great place to live and work very mindful of debt and affordable rates

My major role was Chairman of one of Council’s most important Committees, Statutory Management and Hearings plus Chairing several appeal authorities which required me to undertake specialised legal training.

As a former Engineer, Planner, & long serving Police Officer, I have continued my role in making Hamilton a safer place dealing with, Abuse of Liquor, Disorder/anti social behaviour, Graffiti, and boy-racer problems.

 Was awarded the QSM for Community Service, am a Justice of the peace, Life member of the Police Association, was its National Councillor and involved in numerous community organisations.  Am married with 3 sons.

Top 5 Issues

1. 1. Affordable rates
   I am very conscious of the increasing cost of living and believe that Local Authorities have to make every attempt to keep rates as low as possible. But Hamilton is a growing City and there are items that have to be provided and to most are expected. Probably the area to be looked at are the "wish list" items - great to have but are they needed or affordable.
   
2. 2. Concern re City Debt
   Like most Authorities, our debt is growing larger and is forecast to be just over $600m (total) by 2014/15. It is not so much the debt but the servicing of that Debt. Although when one has a look at debts from other Metro's then this puts Hamiltons's debt into perspective. Very mindful that we do have a high rating AA from independant assessors.
3. 3. City Safety including abuse of liquor, Disorder, Graffiti and Boy racers and crime in general
   Hamilton is a Metropolitan City in its own right and as such we are now having Big City problems. Youth offending (both male and female) are of a concern as is the abuse of liquor, Graffiti, and people who mis-use the motor vehicles they are driving.
   
   My favourate saying is "If you have not got a safe City then you do not have much of a City at all"
   
   Am thankful that the liasion with the Police is 1st class.
4. 4. Transport, Roading and affordable Public Transport and alternative means of getting from A to B
   We have to plan for the future as much as possible but this has to be tempered with the finance available. Public transport is important as I believe that building more and more roads will not solve the problem of congestion in the future. Alternative means of Transport have to be encouraged - sorry but that means getting your butt out of the car seat and think about walking or cycling - may even be good for you.
   
5. Public amenities.
   Every large City has to be able to provide Public amenities for our residents. These Public amenities however have to be practical and not a “wish” list of things that would be nice but are unaffordable. It is the small things that the community appreciates - accessable playgrounds and one stop shops where practical.
   

Personal Profile

For the past 9 years I have been a dedicated and hard working City Councillor and believe I have a proven work ethic.

I am only standing for Hamilton City Council and nothing else.  I find that those who stand for more than one organisation then tend their apologies for meetings on a regular basis and perhaps I could for some, question their dedication to give 100% to that organisation.

As a former Police Officer, Engineer and Planner I believe I have much to offer voters.

For the past 6 years, I have chaired one of the most important standing committees in Council, Statutory management and Hearings.  In this role I have undertaken specialised legal training and hold an additional Chairs Certificate issued by the University of Auckland in conjunction with the N.Z. Government to enable me to handle some of the complex issues.

I also Chair several other appeal authorities, such as liquor licencing, Animal Control matters, and Development Contributions.

Am involved with City Development and Transport where I chair the Road Safety Committee and am one of Three Councillor's attached to the V8 Super-cars Liaison Committee.

 I am very involved with City Safety, Chairing the Police City Council Liaison Group.  The members of this Group comprise of the Police City Area Controller, Tactical Response Manager, City Council General Manager of Planning and Strategic, plus Unit managers for City Safe and Community Liaison.

Was the Waikato Valley Civil Defence Controller and am now its Chairman.

Am priviged to represent the City on a University Ethics Committee.

I have involvement and interests in a wide variety of Community Organisations from the Phobic Trust, Men’s and Ladies Emergency Night Shelters, to Sea Rescue, Hostage Negotiating, Children’s Camps and Men’s Shed organisation.

A Justice of the peace, I was awarded the QSM for services to the community, am a Life member of the Police Association and was its National Councillor for some years.

I am married and have three sons.  One son is a Police Detective, one is deceased, and the other son is a I.T. Manager for a well known nationwide organisation.  My wife and I are blessed with 5 grandchildren.  One of my greatest pleasure's is to watch them play sport (Rugby, Soccer and Netball)

When I have time I enjoy going out on my yacht and also spending time in my hobby workshop.

My wife and I have lived in our family home for over 25 years.